While the Portugal international is tied into a contract until the summer of 2021, it’s understood he’s pushing for a move away from Inter in the new year in search of first-team opportunities.

ESPN FCsuggest both United and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Joao Mario in January – but the midfielder would prefer a transfer to Old Trafford.

PSG view the Portuguese as a potential squad player and he favours a move to United where he believes he would be guaranteed more game-time under Jose Mourinho.

Joao Mario believes he would get games under Jose Mourinho (Picture: Getty)

Both Ivan Perisic and Joao Mario have been linked with moves to Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Mourinho also expressed an interest in Joao Mario’s team-mate, Ivan Perisic, ahead of the 2017/18 campaign but Spalletti’s convinced the winger to stay on at the San Siro.

Following Inter’s 5-0 defeat of Chievo, Perisic told Mediaset Premium: ‘Spalletti told us that every player is important and we got proof of that in the win, as even those who haven’t had as much space made their mark.